Maharashtra's Melghat and Pench Tiger Reserves have become India's most successful sites for releasing captive-bred vultures. Of 29 vultures freed in the two reserves between December 2025 and January 2026, survival rates reached up to 78%. The Bombay Natural History Society said the results show prey-rich, undisturbed tiger habitats suit vulture reintroduction. The Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) is Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and the effort aims to restore declining vulture populations.